Amsterdam, NY
Population 18,162 · New York
About Amsterdam, NY
Amsterdam is a mid-sized city located in New York with a population of 18,162 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $50,193 per year, which is 33% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 39.3 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Amsterdam features a median home value of $119,800, which is 51% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Amsterdam one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $955, 18% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 9,318 total housing units, 51% are owner-occupied (3,916 units) and 49% are renter-occupied (3,691 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Amsterdam shows an unemployment rate of 6.7%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 20.9%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Amsterdam have an average one-way commute time of 20.2 minutes.
Education & Demographics
19.7% of Amsterdam residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The lower educational attainment rate may reflect the area's industry mix, with more employment in trades, manufacturing, or agricultural sectors. The community's demographic composition includes 2.2% White, 1.2% Hispanic or Latino, 25.8% Black or African American, and 4.6% Asian residents, with 4.8% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Amsterdam, NY
Compared to national averages, Amsterdam has a median household income of $50,193 (33% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $119,800, which is 51% below the national median. Monthly rent at $955 is 18% below the US average of $1,163. Within New York, Amsterdam's income is 48% below the state average of $96,987, and home values are 69% below the state median of $387,181.
Why Live in Amsterdam, NY?
Amsterdam offers affordable housing with a median home value of $119,800, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $955/month, and short commute times averaging just 20.2 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($50,193) that falls below the national average. However, Amsterdam’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Amsterdam has a population of 18,162 with a median age of 39.3 years. Compare Amsterdam with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in New York.
Similar Cities Near Amsterdam
Cities in New York with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Woodmere | 18,198 | $174,942 | $944,400 | Compare |
| North Babylon | 18,208 | $130,293 | $470,900 | Compare |
| Syosset | 18,274 | $187,936 | $854,500 | Compare |
| Cohoes | 18,043 | $62,111 | $209,400 | Compare |
| North Massapequa | 18,037 | $142,274 | $609,100 | Compare |
| Lake Ronkonkoma | 18,289 | $102,608 | $484,700 | Compare |
| Scarsdale | 18,005 | $250,001 | $1,703,800 | Compare |
| Wantagh | 17,964 | $174,773 | $665,700 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in New York
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Amsterdam With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Amsterdam
What is the population of Amsterdam, NY?
The population of Amsterdam, NY is 18,162 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in New York.
What is the median household income in Amsterdam?
The median household income in Amsterdam, NY is $50,193 per year, which is 33% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Amsterdam?
The median home value in Amsterdam, NY is $119,800, which is 51% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Amsterdam?
The median monthly rent in Amsterdam, NY is $955, which is 18% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Amsterdam?
The unemployment rate in Amsterdam, NY is 6.7%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Amsterdam, NY a good place to live?
Amsterdam offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 18,162 and a median age of 39.3, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Amsterdam, NY?
19.7% of residents in Amsterdam aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Amsterdam?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Amsterdam, NY: median home value is $119,800 (51% below national), median rent is $955/month, and median household income is $50,193. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.4x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Amsterdam?
The poverty rate in Amsterdam, NY is 20.9%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Amsterdam, NY?
Amsterdam's population is 2.2% White, 1.2% Hispanic or Latino, 25.8% Black or African American, 4.6% Asian, and 5.8% two or more races. 4.8% of residents are foreign-born.